Today is Veterans Day, a time to honor and thank those who have served in the military for their sacrifices and dedication. Yet for many the battle may continue long after their service to our country. Every day 22 Veterans take their own lives in the United States. These Veterans served our country and then came home to face the even greater challenges of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and related challenges. A specially trained PTSD service dog can help save a Veteran’s life by neutralizing negative emotions and providing a sense of security. The following nonprofit organizations work to pair Veterans with companion or service dogs, and would greatly appreciate your support, whether it be through donations or volunteering. Also if you’re a Veteran and interested in learning more, please do not hesitate contact these groups.
K9s on the Front Line supplies fully trained PTSD service dogs at no cost to Veterans. Their team of experts work with Veterans to pair them with an appropriate service dog, whether it is evaluating and training the person’s pet, or finding and identifying the best possible match for that individual’s needs. Through an extensive training program with experienced police K9 handlers, K9s on the Front Line will pair Veterans with a service dog that will walk the path of healing beside them at no cost to the Veteran.
Operation Delta Dog is a nonprofit with a mission to rescue homeless dogs and train them to be assistance dogs for Veterans who are suffering from PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, and related challenges. Working with experienced trainers and positive-reinforcement methods, Operation Delta Dog rescues homeless dogs from shelters and breed-rescue groups, and trains them to work as service dogs with local Veterans. Veterans can participate in training without leaving their jobs or families and find relief from the debilitating symptoms of PTSD, TBI, and MST. Dogs get the home they need, and Veterans get the help they deserve!
Portland Maine’s chapter of Pets for Vets is dedicated to supporting Veterans and providing a second chance for shelter pets by rescuing, training and pairing them with America’s Veterans who could benefit from a companion animal. Bringing together man’s best friend and returning Soldiers; showing them both that we have not forgotten. It’s a win, win for both. Pets for Vets also has chapters in Georgia, Idaho, and Massachusetts.
Hero Pups provides support dogs to Veterans and first responders in New England diagnosed with service-related psychological challenges. They use an inmate training program, where inmates learn new skills while helping get the pups’ training started off right. They are also affiliated with Chris’ Hero Pets, to make companion animals more accessible to Veterans by partnering with a network of shelters to take some of the financial burden off of veterans seeking a companion by paying their adoption fees. Chris’ Hero Pets assists veterans who may not be looking for a support dog, but still feel they could benefit from having a companion by their side.
